PM turns to old Labour hands after election losses but some MPs left baffled

PM turns to old Labour hands – Following a disappointing electoral outcome, Sir Keir Starmer has enlisted the services of Gordon Brown and Harriet Harman to reinforce his leadership. The appointments of these two seasoned Labour figures, both of whom have long histories within the party, signal a strategic move to stabilize the government amid growing internal and external pressures. Downing Street confirmed that Brown has been named a special envoy for global finance, while Harman has been assigned the role of adviser on addressing violence against women and girls. These decisions come as the prime minister faces scrutiny over his ability to lead effectively in the wake of significant losses in the recent general election.

Historical figures take on new roles

Known for their political acumen and experience, Brown and Harman were recently introduced to Sir Keir in a meeting at 10 Downing Street. Brown, who previously held the position of chancellor from 2007 to 2010, played a pivotal role in the global response to the 2008 financial crisis. His return to the fold is expected to provide the government with expertise in financial cooperation, a key focus for enhancing the country’s security and resilience. Similarly, Harman, who served as leader of the House of Commons during Brown’s tenure as prime minister, has been tasked with leveraging her extensive experience to drive progress for women within the government.

The prime minister’s office emphasized that these appointments reflect an effort to modernize the Labour administration. By incorporating the insights of Brown and Harman, Starmer aims to present a vision of renewal and stability to a public that has grown skeptical of his leadership. However, the move has sparked mixed reactions among Labour MPs, with some expressing confusion about the relevance of bringing back figures from the party’s past. The appointments, they argue, may not align with the broader public’s desire for change, particularly in light of the election results.

Leadership under threat

The election losses have cast doubt on Sir Keir’s tenure, prompting calls for him to outline a clear timeline for his exit or for a leadership transition. A group of up to 30 Labour MPs have publicly advocated for Starmer to step down, citing a lack of confidence in his ability to lead the party forward. Clive Betts, the Labour MP for Sheffield South East, stated that voters in key constituencies like Wigan, Wandsworth, Salford, and Sunderland have already signaled their disapproval of the current direction. “What people told me before these elections was, ‘we might vote Labour, we’ve always voted Labour, we’d like to vote Labour again but not while Keir is the leader,’” Betts remarked.

“Not sure voters in Wigan, Wandsworth, Salford or Sunderland voted Reform because they thought we needed more advisers from a different era of Labour politics. I think this shows that Keir doesn’t even understand the problem, never mind the solution.”

Debbie Abrahams, Labour MP for Oldham East and Saddleworth, echoed similar sentiments, suggesting that Starmer’s leadership might be short-lived. “He has said that he would always put the country first, and we must recognize the dangers we are in now,” Abrahams stated. “On this trajectory, it does not look good.” Her comments highlight the growing unease within the party about the PM’s ability to navigate the challenges ahead.

Ambiguity in leadership strategy

Despite the appointments, some within Labour remain uncertain about the implications of bringing back Brown and Harman. A normally loyal minister told the BBC that the move seemed like a joke, questioning whether these hires address the core issues facing the party. “There is no question to which bringing these two back is the answer,” the minister said, underscoring the confusion surrounding the decision.

Others have criticized the strategy as a way to distract from the root causes of the election losses. A former Labour adviser remarked: “Is his plan to combat the notion that he has no ideas to just double down on that and bring in a load of other people to come up with ideas?” This critique suggests that the PM’s reliance on veteran figures may be seen as an attempt to fill perceived gaps in his policy vision rather than a genuine effort to innovate.

Starmer’s plan for revival

In response to the mounting pressure, Sir Keir has announced plans to reset his leadership. He is set to deliver a major speech next week, accompanied by the unveiling of a new legislative programme. These initiatives are intended to demonstrate a commitment to reform and to rally support for his continued tenure. Downing Street has framed the appointments as part of this broader strategy, emphasizing that Brown’s expertise in global finance will help the government achieve its goals of security and resilience.

Harman’s role, meanwhile, focuses on galvanizing the government to deliver tangible results for women and girls. Her experience in parliamentary affairs and as a former deputy leader positions her to advocate for policies targeting misogyny and advancing gender equality. “The role will see her draw on work with women across Parliament to identify action needed to tackle misogyny and deliver greater opportunity for women in parliamentary and public life,” Downing Street stated in its explanation of the appointments.

Starmer’s team has also released a promotional video showcasing the meetings between the PM and his new advisors. The video, posted on social media, features Brown and Harman in the back garden of 10 Downing Street, alongside Chancellor Rachel Reeves. In the caption, Starmer wrote: “Together, we will forge a more resilient and equitable nation.” The visual and textual message is designed to project unity and confidence, though it has done little to quell dissent within the party.

Divided perspectives on Starmer’s future

While some MPs are pushing for Starmer’s resignation, others remain steadfast in their support. Lucy Powell, Labour’s deputy leader, has defended the PM’s position, arguing that the party needs to take time to reflect and listen to its members. “I want him to continue as leader,” Powell said, adding that the focus should be on “improving and starting to do better.” Her remarks contrast sharply with the more critical voices within the party, who see the appointments as a sign of reluctance to embrace change.

Starmer’s allies believe that the inclusion of Brown and Harman will lend credibility to the government’s agenda and reassure voters that Labour has the expertise to recover. However, critics argue that the move could be interpreted as a retreat from the party’s modernization efforts. “If Labour does not improve and start doing better, we are going to see Nigel Farage walking up Downing Street in three years’ time,” Powell warned, highlighting the existential stakes for the party.

The appointments have also raised questions about the PM’s ability to balance tradition with progress. While Brown and Harman are respected for their past contributions, their return may be viewed as a concession to old guard ideologies. This perception could further complicate Starmer’s efforts to position himself as a leader of a new Labour era. As the pressure mounts, the prime minister must navigate a delicate political landscape, where loyalty is tested and the future of the party hangs in the balance.

With the next phase of his leadership unfolding, Starmer’s decisions will be closely watched by both supporters and detractors. The inclusion of Brown and Harman offers a blend of experience and authority, but whether it is enough to secure the party’s future remains to be seen. As the government prepares to outline its legislative agenda, the challenge will be to align these appointments with the public’s demand for fresh ideas and decisive action. The coming weeks will be critical in determining whether Starmer can reclaim his position or if the tide of discontent will continue to rise.